Must-Have Gear When Hunting for the First-time
Setting out for your first hunt will surely have a different taste. With the adrenaline pumping in your veins, we can almost see you impatiently and excitedly jumping in place waiting for the hunt to begin – after all, we’ve also been in your shoes once. You don’t want to jump right into the hunt without being fully prepared though, take it from someone who’d learned the lesson the hard way. Before setting out on a journey of a lifetime, here’s a list of must-have gears to get ready.
Camouflage Clothes
The first rule of hunting is to act like a hunter. Do you ever find any of the natural predators flaunting their skin under the sunlight when tracking their prey? You’d be wise to take a leaf out of nature’s book and camouflage yourself to the best of your ability. That starts with the clothes you wear, the outer layer of which should be orange or camouflage in color. Your outer layer should also be water and wind-resistant while producing almost zero noise as you move. While you’re at it, make sure to use a scent killer on all your clothes.
Underneath this layer, you’ll wear a tight-fitting base and an intermediate insulating layer. Try to steer away from cotton in your base layer, with merino wool of synthetic polyester being the best choice. The insulating layer serves in keeping you warm when the night falls if the weather turns colder, preferably made of wool or polyester as well.
Sturdy Boots
Boots can make or break your hunt in more than one way. Your boots need to be sturdy enough for you to walk on any kind of natural terrain, even if it’s rocky or wet. They should be insulated to protect your feet from the cold and blisters. In addition to the physical aspect, investing in a good pair of boots has a psychological factor to it. You can always rest assured that your boots will have your back, and you wouldn’t have to end the hunt early.
Backpack
Your backpack will carry all your tools and hunting necessities, so it has to be durable as well. Make sure to try the backpack before buying it to ensure its comfort. You’ll probably have to walk for miles carrying it, and you don’t want to tire quickly or hurt your back in the process.
Prey Locating Tools
The process of hunting your prey starts long before you pull the trigger. You’ll have to study the area and the behavior of your prey so you can devise a bulletproof plan, and you won’t be able to do that without a set of prey locating tools. After years of excavations and explorations, the hunting experts from ConsumerFiles.com have compiled comprehensive reviews of top-ranked hunting tools that will serve you. These tools include binoculars, rangefinders, trail cameras, and night-vision scopes, which you can choose from after identifying your hunting needs and deciding which works best for you.
Knives
Whether it’s cutting through wires, fallen limbs, skinning, or gutting, you can’t set out with a reliable knife. Most hunters use a versatile utility knife for all purposes, but you can also get a gutting knife specially made for processing your prey after the hunt has turned out successful.
Hunting Weapon
Hunters go by using different premises when it comes to choosing the weapon. Some like the skill and traditional feeling of using crossbows, while others like the efficiency and practicality of using rifles and guns. Whatever your weapon of choice, make sure to get more ammo than you think you’ll use.
Locating Tools
You definitely don’t want to get stranded with no way out, which is why you need to make sure you’re able to locate your position at all times. You’ll definitely keep a GPS device on you, but keep in mind that technology may fail you in the middle of nowhere. As a backup plan, take a map and compass with you and learn how to use them. Make sure to have a two-way radio as well.
Miscellaneous Items
There are a few other items you need to have that your hunting trip won’t be complete without. So while you’re filling your backpack, make sure to squeeze in some toiletries, water, and snacks to last you throughout the hunt. You’d also be wise to prepare a survival kit in case anything goes south.
You can never be too prepared for your first hunt, so it’s worthwhile to be safe rather than sorry. After studying your prey and devising the details of the hunt, make sure to list all the gear you could possibly need. Take the time to try all the tools and get familiar with your equipment; that’s how you can rock your hunt.
